The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Fatigue Mats

Does your workplace require long periods of standing? Anti-fatigue mats are the solution for you! Excessive standing can increase the risk of a multitude of health problems, but you can reduce this by introducing anti-fatigue mats. This guide explains everything you need to know about anti-fatigue mats. From what anti-fatigue mats are to their benefits, learn how to put your employees' comfort first!

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What is an Anti-Fatigue Mat?
Types of Anti-Fatigue Mats
The Problem with Standing Up All Day
The Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Mats
Make Comfort a Priority with Anti-Fatigue Mats

What is an Anti-Fatigue Mat?

Anti-fatigue mats are specially designed floor mats that aim to reduce fatigue from standing for long periods of time. Their design enables users to keep moving when standing on the spot, increasing blood flow around the body and alleviating joint pain.

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Because anti-fatigue mats have a slightly uneven surface, users must adjust their position on the mat from time to time. These micro-movements redistribute the weight and pressure around the body, causing less stress on joints and muscles.

Types of Anti-Fatigue Mats

The type of anti-fatigue mat you choose can differ depending on its application and location. Here are a few examples of the different types of anti-fatigue mats you can choose from:

Foam Anti-Fatigue Mats

A foam-based anti-fatigue mat should only be used in dry areas. This means it is suitable for areas such as shop floors, packaging areas, or production lines. These foam mats are not as durable as other options, so they are better suited for light to medium traffic areas.

Vinyl-Topped Mats

Made from a foam centre, these vinyl-topped mats offer more resistance to wear and tear, making them suitable for heavier-duty areas. The durable materials also allow large appliances and machinery to be placed on top of them.

Rubber Mats

The most durable option, rubber anti-fatigue mats can be used in areas where liquids are used. For example, rubber mats are often used behind bars where there may be spillages. These rubber mats can also be used to reduce slipping in these areas.

The Problem with Standing Up All Day

Many jobs require employees to stand for long periods of time during their shifts. This is common in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. However, long periods of standing can increase the risk of health conditions. Studies show even just 90 minutes of standing can cause discomfort and muscle fatigue. Continuously standing for long periods can put employees at a greater risk of:

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General Muscular Fatigue
Circulatory Problems
Varicose Veins
Swelling, Chronic Inflammation in Feet and Legs
Degenerative Joint Damage
Lower Back Pain
Stiffness in Neck and Shoulders
Problems with Feet, including Flat Feet
Stroke
And More…

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By implementing anti-fatigue mats in your workplace, you can prioritise the health and well-being of your employees and create a more comfortable environment for them to work in.

The Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Mats

Anti-fatigue mats can greatly improve the work environment for employees. From reducing circulatory issues to increasing productivity, here are just a few examples of the benefits of anti-fatigue mats:

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Reducing Circulatory Issues: When standing still, the heart must work much harder to pump blood around the body. With an anti-fatigue mat, the micro-movements of users will allow blood to flow more freely around the body, causing less strain on the heart.

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Minimise Joint and Muscle Pain: As anti-fatigue mats encourage users to move more, the pressure around the body can be evenly distributed more often, reducing stiff joints and pressure on the feet and legs.

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Improved Posture: Standing still for long periods of time can be tiring and cause muscle fatigue. As a result, employees might take to leaning over tables or hunching over. Installing an anti-fatigue mat allows users to constantly change their position and feel more comfortable standing on their feet.

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Increased Productivity: Nobody wants to be uncomfortable at work. With anti-fatigue mats, you don’t have to! The cushioning of an anti-fatigue mat ensures employees are more comfortable standing for long periods, increasing their overall productivity.

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Acts as an Anti-Slip Mat: The rubber and vinyl material of anti-fatigue mats gives users a greater grip when walking across areas prone to spillages. This reduces the risk of slips, increasing staff safety.

Make Comfort a Priority with Anti-Fatigue Mats

Ensure your employees are working comfortably with anti-fatigue mats. Implementing anti-fatigue mats will reduce your staff's risk of health issues, and productivity can also be increased as their well-being is prioritised.

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At Woosh, our anti-fatigue mats are designed with users in mind. This ergonomic mat reduces fatigue, prevents aches from long periods of standing, and is made from durable rubber, making it the perfect anti-fatigue mat for any workplace. For other matting options, why not take a look at entrance mats or our logo/image mats to create a lasting impression on your visitors?

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Get in touch with our Wooshologists today to create a more comfortable workplace for your employees.

Anti-Fatigue Mats FAQs

What does an anti-fatigue mat do?

Anti-fatigue mats work by encouraging users to keep readjusting their position when standing for long periods of time. These micro-movements allow the body to redistribute pressure around the body, preventing stiff joints, muscle fatigue, and aching feet.

How does an anti-fatigue mat work?

Standing still for long periods of time can have health implications, such as circulatory problems and muscle fatigue. The slightly uneven surface of an anti-fatigue mat subtly reminds users to adjust their body position from time to time, allowing blood to flow more freely around the body, muscles to stretch, and pressure to be reduced on joints.

Where do you put anti-fatigue mats?

Anti-fatigue mats should be placed in any areas where employees are required to stand for long periods, such as behind cash registers, assembly lines, and bar areas. By installing these mats, employees can benefit from greater comfort when standing for long periods of time is a must.

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